GREENING GGGI

In 2017, GGGI made great strides in its environmental sustainability efforts by implementing a series of initiatives and projects to strengthen and systematize green office operations. Examples include development of GGGI Green Office Guide and Green Event Guide, launch of awareness-raising campaigns such as Green Office Month, and procurement of eco-friendly

office supplies. GGGI also began installing air quality assessment systems in its offices to collect data that can be used for reporting and evaluation to help improve working environment. To promote green events, tips and carbon footprint offset options for flights were made available to all participants of Global Green Growth Week (GGGWeek2017), held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Travel and Facility

Since 2013, GGGI has made efforts to measure and manage its environmental footprint, especially its carbon emissions. Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology, GGGI assessed its environmental footprint in 2017 by

measuring carbon emissions from Air Travel and Facility Operations in offices across the organization.

*Data combined for all offices
**Data based on utility bills for gas and electricity collected from each office; in offices where such bills are not available, estimate was calculated based on the number of building occupants.

A total of 1,923 tons of CO2 (tCO2) was emitted by GGGI in 2017, with Air Travel and Facility Operations emissions amounting to 1,611 and 312 tons, respectively.

As indicated in the above table GGGI began measuring carbon emissions in all its offices around the world this year.

Staff: Carbon Emission per Personnel

When comparing results from the UNEP’s Greening the Blue Report 2017, GGGI has maintained a tCO2/ per personnel emission average similar to or well below

the average emitted by other United Nations organizations in 2016.

Paper Consumption (Seoul HQ)

Thanks in part to an increased awareness and responsible printing behaviors practiced, Seoul HQ has been experiencing a downward trend in paper consumption since 2014, showing a 12.1% decrease in paper consumption

in 2017 compared to 2016. It is also worth noting that in 2017, Seoul HQ started using recycled papers for all its printing needs.

Looking Ahead

GGGI will continue to make efforts to reduce its environmental impact by measuring and monitoring carbon emissions and promoting environmentally sustainable office operations. Moving forward, a greater focus will be placed on driving an organization-wide cooperation for green operations by strengthening communications and encouraging collaboration across all offices.

All GGGI offices have made pledges to undertake specific initiatives in 2018 to go green in their respective locations. Examples of their commitments include minimizing energy use, holding greener events, improving waste management systems, using less paper, implementing community outreach programs, and prioritizing green procurement.